RTLS Real-time Asset Tracking with HPM®

Many modern Wi-Fi access points include BLE components that can be used for the localisation of mobile medical devices and/or patient navigation. Depending on the density of access points, floor layout, and building materials, additional BLE gateways may be required to achieve the desired level of localisation accuracy (zone-, room-, or bed-level precision).

BLE transmitters (asset tags) with long battery life are attached to all objects to be tracked. By measuring the signal strength exchanged between the (mobile) asset tags and the permanently installed BLE components (location beacons/gateways), the positions of mobile devices are continuously determined. These positions are enriched in HPM® with the respective status and displayed as “complete information” (location AND status) in list views or in 2D or 3D floor plan maps of the hospital on tablets or smartphones, or via web view on ward PCs.

During the installation of the tracking solution, “virtual fences” can be defined and configured. For example, alarms can be triggered if a device leaves a defined area (e.g. an intensive care unit).

An automatic “real-time inventory” is also possible with HPM®, as well as triggering an alarm if, for example, a hospital wheelchair leaves the hospital building.

The utilisation of existing medical device inventory is significantly improved through the real-time localisation of available equipment. This enables hospitals to avoid unnecessary new purchases and reduce excess stock. With HPM®, fact-based procurement becomes much easier.

Maintenance, inspection, and calibration schedules can also be managed more efficiently, as real-time asset tracking with HPM® allows the biomedical engineering staff to locate the relevant devices fast and easy. This helps hospitals better comply with regulatory operator obligations and increases safety for patients, staff, and visitors.

Our goal is to achieve the level of tracking accuracy defined together with the customer with the least possible implementation effort. In this context, the integration of existing hardware plays a key role. Wherever possible, we use BLE components built into Wi-Fi access points and, if required, supplement them with battery-powered location beacons/gateways. A major benefit is the integration of SIEMENS Himed patient terminals for the localisation and operation of HPM® at the “point of care”.

This approach avoids the need to install extensive cabling and prevents an “IT project” from turning into a “construction project.”

Our team does not leave customers on their own after installation. We continue to support them with staff training and security updates for the deployed software. In addition, our user support team is available by phone and, of course, on-site at your hospital.